City hotel guide

Pattaya

Pattaya is a major city in eastern Thailand, located in Chonburi Province on the Gulf of Thailand coast. Approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, it serves as the heart of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, the third-largest conurbation in Thailand. The city encompasses the special local government area of Pattaya City, including sub-districts like Nong Prue and Na Klua, extending into the broader 'Greater Pattaya' region that includes Bang Lamung and Jomtien. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and coastal location, Pattaya offers diverse accommodation options ranging from bustling central districts to quieter beachfront areas. For frequent travelers, it provides easy access to the Eastern Seaboard industrial zone while maintaining a distinct resort character.

1,027Hotels

8Brands

8Programs

🕐 Asia/Bangkok · 💱 THB

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Best time to visit

☀️ Best months: Jan–Feb, Dec

Jan30° / 23°💧35mm

Feb31° / 24°💧77mm

Mar32° / 25°💧83mm

Apr33° / 27°💧51mm

May32° / 27°💧137mm

Jun32° / 27°💧110mm

Jul30° / 26°💧206mm

Aug31° / 27°💧193mm

Sep30° / 26°💧310mm

Oct30° / 25°💧266mm

Nov31° / 24°💧135mm

Dec31° / 23°💧24mm

High/low are monthly means, 💧 is mean monthly precipitation (2022–23, Open-Meteo); green = comfortable & drier.

Where to stay

Central Pattaya / Pattaya Beach

Busy beach, malls, bars, easy transport

Good for First-timers, nightlife, short stays

South Pattaya / Walking Street

Loud nightlife hub near Bali Hai Pier

Good for Nightlife, party trips, Ko Lan day trips

North Pattaya / Naklua-Wong Amat

Quieter beach resorts and local seafood

Good for Families, luxury, quieter stays

Jomtien Beach

Longer beach, condos, casual restaurants

Good for Families, budget, longer stays

Pratumnak Hill

Leafier hillside between Pattaya and Jomtien

Good for Couples, quiet, views, beach access

Na Jomtien

Spread-out resort strip south of Jomtien

Good for Resorts, luxury, quiet beach breaks

Area guides are reference info (AI-assisted, web-grounded); never ranked by price or commission.

Getting there & around

From the airport

Pattaya has no direct metro/train from the airports. From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the usual first-time choice is the direct airport bus from Level 1 near Gate 8 to North/Central/South Pattaya and Thappraya/Jomtien, about 2-2.5 hours; taxi/private car is about 1.5-2 hours. U-Tapao (UTP) is closest: taxi or van to central Pattaya usually takes 45-60 minutes. From Don Mueang (DMK), taxi/private car is about 2.5-3 hours; budget travelers can transfer to BKK then take the Pattaya airport bus, but it is slower.

BKK airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →

Around the city

There is no metro and no useful tourist transit card in Pattaya. The backbone is blue songthaews, often called baht buses, running fixed shared routes along Beach Road, Second Road, Naklua and Jomtien; hop on, press the buzzer to stop, and pay the driver after getting off. If you ask for a specific destination, it may become a private charter, so agree the fare first. Use Grab/Bolt, metered taxis or motorbike taxis for hills, late nights and hotel-to-hotel trips. Walking works within each area, but crossings and sidewalks can be uneven.

🚆 Pattaya Railway Station

As of 2026-06-20 — confirm current schedules/fares with the operator.

Loyalty program coverage

Best Western Rewards1 Flavours Instant Benefit Programme1 Marriott Bonvoy1 MeliáRewards1 ONYX Rewards1 Radisson Rewards1 Unity by Hard Rock1 Wyndham Rewards1

Before choosing where to stay

Where to Base

For hotel travelers, the choice of neighborhood defines the experience. Pattaya City proper, covering Nong Prue and Na Klua, offers the most convenient access to dining, nightlife, and business centers, making it ideal for those seeking vibrancy. Jomtien Beach, to the southwest, provides a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere suitable for families or those preferring tranquility. The broader 'Greater Pattaya' area ensures a high density of international hotel chains and local properties, catering to various loyalty programs and budget preferences.

Getting Around

Pattaya does not have its own commercial airport. Travelers typically fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airports and then travel approximately 150 kilometers southeast to Pattaya. By road, the journey takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. Once in Pattaya, the city is best navigated via songthaews (shared pickup trucks), taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab, or private car hires. The compact nature of the main tourist zones makes short transfers between hotels and attractions relatively quick.

Best Season

The optimal time for hotel stays in Pattaya is during the cool season, from November to February, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal. This period coincides with peak tourism, so early booking is advisable. The hot season runs from March to May, with high humidity and temperatures. The rainy season spans June to October, bringing frequent showers but also lower rates and fewer crowds. Business travelers can visit year-round, though outdoor activities may be limited during the monsoon months.

Nearby attractions

Jomtien

Nature4.1 km

beach in Chon Buri province, Thailand

Dining

Khrua Ban Po Ta

Restaurant฿฿1.2 km

The breezy, spacious dining room surrounded by vines and plants makes for a relaxing and laidback coastal ambience. The seafood-based menu features shrimp, squid and crab options cooked several ways. The stir-fried squid with black ink sauce is a showstopper, but diners also enjoy shelling the stir-fried whole crab with curry powder. The sweet local seasoning enhances the food's natural umami.

Neon Boat Noodles

Restaurant฿1.7 km

Traditional boat noodles are served here with various toppings in a bold and savoury soup. We also recommend the spicy boiled pork and pork condiments, which have an intensely flavoured sauce and the aroma of fried garlic.

Krua Laew Tae R-Rom

RestaurantBib Gourmand฿3.9 km

With a limited menu, the kitchen excels in seafood, Thai food and home-made curries with bold, rich flavours. The crab, shrimp, clams and fish are served ultra-fresh at reasonable prices, with rare catches often appearing on the menu. The restaurant doesn't open if the line-catch on that day is not successful. Booking a week in advance is necessary.

Mae Pong Sri

Restaurant฿2.1 km

The go-to spot in Pattaya for pork offal soup with boiled sweet leaf bush, this eatery draws inspiration from Thai cuisine nationwide to offer a plethora of quick street food dishes. From the many noodle and rice options, the stir-fried glass noodles with seafood stand out.

La Voi

RestaurantBib Gourmand฿4.3 km

The owner uses premium beef to prepare the broth and toppings. The clear and amber soup, which is cooked with beef for hours, is their secret sauce. For newcomers, it is highly recommended to start with the mixed beef soup, which comes with a variety of beef toppings, including meatballs, different cuts of beef, and beef organs, allowing diners to enjoy all the textures and flavours of beef.

Lung Shall Kitchen

RestaurantBib Gourmand฿4.7 km

Simplicity and quality go hand in hand at this hidden gem with an intimate atmosphere. Experience food in its most authentic form thanks to skilfully prepared fresh ingredients. The bold yet nuanced stir-fried black squid ink delivers an intense, textured exploration of the sea's flavours.

Somtum Je Phai

Restaurant฿3.5 km

This authentic Isan eatery under a PVC tent grills chicken, meat, and pork over charcoal with traditional flair. The owner's passion is palpable as she communicates animatedly with her team. The meat is well-executed and retains its juiciness.

Wansuk

Restaurant฿฿4.8 km

In a vintage decor featuring wooden accents, music from the 1980s and 1990s sets the mood. At this locally renowned Thai restaurant, the chef-owner's uniquely creative menu boasts intensely flavoured, unapologetically spicy dishes – though milder versions are available upon request. Seafood is the star, with fresh, expertly cooked offerings served at perfect temperatures. Instead of regular rice, we suggest ordering the signature fried rice with salt.

Attraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.

See all guide-listed restaurants in Pattaya (Michelin / Black Pearl) →

Flights to Pattaya

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Most-covered hotels in Pattaya

Ranked by verified records and coverage depth — never by price, never by commission.